Upcoming Historium events, exhibit honor veterans from Korea forward
The Ozark County Historium’s Salute to Veterans exhibit and related events begin next week in Gainesville. The exhibit, featuring veterans’ photos, letters and personal and military memorabilia, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5-9, 13-16 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, when a Welcome Home open house is planned for veterans who served in Korea and Vietnam.
Other special events planned during the exhibit include a free showing of the Mel Gibson movie We Were Soldiers. The movie, to be shown at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Historium, tells the story of the 1965 battle of Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam, in which Ozark Countian Gail Davis died. Everyone is invited.
The highlight of the week is expected to be the pre-Veterans Day ceremony to be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in front of the Historium on the west side of the square. The brief program will include a welcome by Vietnam veteran Don Luna, mayor of Gainesville. Other veterans have been asked to asked to participate by saying a prayer on behalf of the gathered group and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Three-year-old Lakely Anderson will sing the National Anthem. An Honor and Remember flag honoring Ozark County’s war dead will be presented. The flag was purchased with donations collected by Pamela Hengen, mother of Pfc. Matthew England, who was killed last year in Iraq. MoDOT highway signs naming a section of Highway 160 in Gainesville to honor Pfc. England will be dedicated. The program will close with the singing of “God Bless America” led by veteran Rex Johnson.
Following the program, Missy Harlin is providing a free barbecue-sandwich lunch for all veterans regardless of when they served; non-veterans may purchase lunch with a donation to the Wounded Warrior Fund.
Memorabilia for the veterans exhibit is being accepted this week at the Historium during business hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) For more information, call the Historium, 679-2400, or contact Janet Taber (265-3372; janettaber@gmail.com) or Susan Ault (679-4253; papajohn@ozbb.net).